“If you want to remake your team, the ability to do that isn’t there this year,” said the executive. “There just isn’t the depth that you’ve had in past years.

“Sure, you could go out and sign a guy like Tomas Plekanec to a contract worth $4.5 million (all terms US) per year, but then you’re going to hate yourself every day after that happens.”

The biggest names available will likely be in net — San Jose’s Evgeni Nabokov, Dallas’ Marty Turco,Chris Mason St. Louis’ and Nashville’s Dan Ellis . And there are plenty of teams looking for goaltending help, including Tampa and Washington.

“You’re still going to see money spent. There’s no question,” said the executive.

Eyes are focused on Montreal, where GM Pierre Gauthier is looking to sign goalies Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price , who are both pending restricted free agents. One could be dealt before July 1.

Indications are Tampa GM Steve Yzerman has held talks with Montreal about Price. The Habs have to be careful — they already have $45 million committed in salaries and could be hit with an offer sheet on Halak .

It appears the Habs will have to choose a goalie. If they deal either, they will want scoring in return. Tampa could offer winger Martin St. Louis .

“It’s going to be tough for the teams that finished out of the playoffs to make major changes,” said the executive. “You’re going to be better off to try to deal for guys and move money than give guys who may not make an impact more than they deserve.”TOP OF THE FREE-AGENT CROP

1. Patrick Marleau , C, San Jose: If he moves, it won’t likely be far. Marleau a desire to stay on the West Coast. Los Angeles is a strong possibility.

2. Ilya Kovalchuk , LW, New Jersey: Dealt at the deadline by Atlanta, he didn’t make a big enough impact on the Devils. Big question: Can you build a team around him and win? Kovalchuk could head home to play in the KHL.